Legislation that would bring whole milk and 2% milk back to school meal programs easily passed the Senate Ag Committee with bipartisan support. Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota says she supports the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act but did express concern about future funding for the SNAP and school nutrition programs. “We must…… Continue Reading
2025 World Pork Expo this week in Des Moines
National Pork Producers Council director of trade show marketing Doug Fricke tells Brownfield an economic seminar and learning sessions on sustainability and foreign animal diseases are highlights of this year’s event, taking place Wednesday and Thursday at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. The post 2025 World Pork Expo this week in Des Moines…… Continue Reading
Morgan Wallen Dominates Top 40 Country Songs for June 2025
As always, the June 2025 list of the Top 40 country songs is equal parts airplay, sales and streaming charts, plus fan ratings. Staff opinion breaks any ties. Continue reading…… Continue Reading
Cattle futures lower ahead of widespread direct business
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle were lower, waiting for direct business to develop. August live cattle closed $.57 lower at $209.75 and October live cattle closed $1.27 lower at $207.92. August feeder cattle closed $.52 lower at $301.22 and September feeder cattle closed $.47 lower at $300.42. Direct cash cattle trade…… Continue Reading
Ag economist says proposed budget guts USDA
An ag economist calls proposed cuts outlined in the Trump administration’s 2026 USDA budget irresponsible. American Enterprise Institute’s director of agricultural policy studies Vince Smith tells Brownfield gutting agriculture research is a prime example. “The long run consequences in terms of productivity, in terms of long-term global food production, and more local U.S. production are likely to be devastating,”…… Continue Reading
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: June 3, 2025
Jul. corn closed at $4.38 and 1/2, up 1/4 centJul. soybeans closed at $10.40 and 3/4, up 7 and 1/4 centsJul. soybean meal closed at $294.50, up 60 centsJul. soybean oil closed at 46.81, up 53 pointsJul. wheat closed at $5.36, down 3 centsAug. live cattle closed at $209.75, down $1.25Aug. feeder cattle closed at…… Continue Reading
Soybeans, corn manage higher finish, wheat down
Soybeans were higher on short covering and technical buying. 67% of the crop is good to excellent, with planting and emergence both ahead of average. Crush demand continues to be strong, with April’s total the best for the month on record. That’s despite some questions about soybean meal demand and the ongoing uncertainties related to…… Continue Reading
USDA employee and five others charged in alleged SNAP fraud
A USDA employee and five other individuals have been charged in connection with what authorities describe as one of the largest alleged food stamp frauds in the nation’s history. Investigators say the purported scheme resulted in more than $66 million in unauthorized transactions under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The defendants face charges related to…… Continue Reading
Minnesota researchers exploring perennial flax
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Rosemount Research and Outreach Center are exploring the potential of perennial flax. Department of Horticultural Science professor Neil Anderson says the versatile crop can serve many purposes. “It could be a cut flower, an herbaceous perennial, could be grown for fiber, or for oil seed.” He tells Brownfield their…… Continue Reading
Entomologist looks at armyworm in Missouri
An entomologist with the University of Missouri Extension says producers in parts of Missouri are seeing an uptick in armyworm pressure. Ivair Valmorbida tells Brownfield some producers will need to treat their infestations. “There are some insecticides that are labeled for it,” he says. “They should be aware of the harvest interval, if there is…… Continue Reading
